AmTrust Financial Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

AmTrust Financial has 9 executives leading key functions including marketing, commercial lines, specialty insurance, underwriting, special risk, cyber insurance, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, AmTrust Financial provides comprehensive property and casualty insurance solutions, impacting businesses across the United States and internationally through specialized underwriting and claims administration.

Leadership Roles at AmTrust Financial

  • President Commercial Lines - Bruce Sanderson
  • President - James Thanasules
  • President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance - Dan Hickey
  • President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer - Elissa Pacheco
  • President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation - Robert Purdy
  • President, Special Risk - Bruce Saulnier
  • President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber - Benny Zviti
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bruce Shuman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - David Saks
  • Bruce Sanderson - President Commercial Lines

    Bruce Sanderson, the President Commercial Lines at AmTrust Financial, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the commercial insurance portfolio. This executive oversees the underwriting, product development, and distribution of insurance solutions tailored for small and middle-market businesses. Sanderson's responsibilities include ensuring the profitability and growth of the commercial lines segment, which offers products such as workers' compensation and commercial package policies. By fostering strong relationships with agents and brokers, Bruce Sanderson expands market reach and enhances service delivery. The President Commercial Lines drives innovation in product offerings to meet evolving business needs and maintain a competitive edge in the insurance market.

    James Thanasules - President

    James Thanasules, the President at AmTrust Financial, provides overarching leadership and strategic guidance across key business units. This executive role involves driving operational excellence and ensuring alignment with the company's long-term vision and financial objectives. Thanasules's focus includes optimizing business processes, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and identifying strategic growth opportunities within the insurance sector. By championing a culture of performance and accountability, James Thanasules supports the expansion of AmTrust Financial's market share and strengthens its position as a leading provider of specialized insurance products. The President's leadership ensures the effective execution of corporate strategies and sustained business development.

    Dan Hickey - President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance

    Dan Hickey, the President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance at AmTrust Financial, directs the strategy and operations for the specialty insurance division. This critical role involves overseeing the underwriting and management of niche property and casualty risks, as well as specialty liability coverages. Hickey's leadership ensures the development of tailored insurance solutions for unique market segments, including professional and medical liability. By cultivating strong partnerships with specialized brokers and agents, Dan Hickey expands the reach of AmTrust Specialty Insurance. The President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance drives innovation in product design and service delivery to address complex client needs and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

    Elissa Pacheco - President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer

    Elissa Pacheco, the President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer at AmTrust Financial, leads underwriting strategy and operations for the Southeast region, alongside broader presidential responsibilities. This dual role involves setting underwriting guidelines, managing risk appetite, and ensuring profitable growth within the region. Pacheco's expertise in underwriting specialty coverages supports the company's mission to provide tailored insurance solutions. By fostering strong relationships with regional agents and brokers, Elissa Pacheco enhances market penetration and client service. The President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer drives underwriting excellence and strategic decision-making to optimize the company's performance and expand its footprint in key markets.
    Elissa Pacheco

    Robert Purdy - President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation

    Robert Purdy, the President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation at AmTrust Financial, leads the strategic development and operational execution for the middle market specialty workers' compensation segment. This executive role focuses on underwriting, product innovation, and distribution strategies designed to serve small and middle-market companies. Purdy's leadership ensures the delivery of comprehensive workers' compensation insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses. By collaborating with a network of agents and brokers, Robert Purdy expands market access and strengthens client relationships. The President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation drives profitable growth and operational efficiency within this key segment of AmTrust Financial's offerings.

    Bruce Saulnier - President, Special Risk

    Bruce Saulnier, the President, Special Risk at AmTrust Financial, directs the strategy and operations for the special risk insurance division. This executive role involves managing the underwriting and delivery of specialized insurance products designed for niche property and casualty risks. Saulnier's leadership focuses on developing innovative coverage solutions that address unique client needs and market demands. By fostering strong partnerships with specialized distribution channels, Bruce Saulnier expands the reach of AmTrust's special risk offerings. The President, Special Risk drives operational efficiency and underwriting discipline to ensure the profitable growth and sustained success of this specialized segment.

    Benny Zviti - President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber

    Benny Zviti, the President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber at AmTrust Financial, leads the strategic direction and operational management for the Anv and Amtrust Cyber insurance divisions. This executive role encompasses the development and execution of cyber insurance products and related specialty coverages. Zviti's focus is on addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats and providing robust protection for businesses. By driving innovation in underwriting and claims handling for cyber risks, Benny Zviti enhances AmTrust Financial's capabilities in this critical market. The President, Anv & Amtrust Cyber ensures the delivery of comprehensive solutions that mitigate digital risks and support client resilience in an increasingly connected world.
    Benny Zviti

    Bruce Shuman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bruce Shuman, the Chief Marketing Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs all marketing initiatives and brand strategy. Overseeing the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, Shuman ensures consistent brand messaging across all channels. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and customer insights to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement. By collaborating with sales and product development teams, Bruce Shuman drives lead generation and enhances customer acquisition strategies. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts directly support AmTrust Financial's objective of expanding its market presence and strengthening client relationships through targeted outreach and impactful communication.
    David Saks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at AmTrust Financial, oversees all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel on regulatory compliance and corporate governance. This senior leadership position involves managing the legal department, advising on risk management, and ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations across domestic and international operations. Saks's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape of the insurance industry. By collaborating with executive leadership, David Saks safeguards the company's interests and supports its strategic objectives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer plays a vital role in mitigating legal risks and upholding the integrity of AmTrust Financial's business practices.
    David Saks

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AmTrust Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AmTrust Financial?
    AmTrust Financial is led by Bruce Sanderson (President Commercial Lines), along with executives such as James Thanasules (President) and Dan Hickey (President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance).
    Who is part of AmTrust Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of AmTrust Financial includes leaders such as Bruce Sanderson (President Commercial Lines), James Thanasules (President), Dan Hickey (President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AmTrust Financial have?
    AmTrust Financial has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AmTrust Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AmTrust Financial includes roles such as President Commercial Lines, President, President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance, President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer, President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation.